ASCL Primary and Early Years Conference

The British Library, London

Building strong foundations

The ASCL Primary and Early Years Conference 2025 unites expert speakers who will share knowledge and research to inspire and support leaders in primary.

The conference will guide attendees through new government policies, guidance and initiatives, alongside a focus on leadership with examples of shared practice.

All primary leaders in schools and trusts are welcome to attend.

Speaker

Tiffnie Harris

Primary and Data Specialist

David Bartram OBE

SEND Adviser

Rob Carpenter

Trust Leader, Inspire Partnership and member of ASCL Council

John Camp OBE

ASCL Immediate Past President 2024-25 and CEO, The Compass Partnership of Schools

Rebekah Iiyambo

CEO, Eko Trust

Beryce Nixon OBE

CEO, Exceed Learning Partnership

Dr Julian Grenier

Senior Content and Engagement Manager (Early Years), Education Endowment Foundation

Lisa Wise

Headteacher, Wilbury Primary School and Executive Lead for School Improvement, Children First Academy Trust

Martin Galway

Head of Professional Learning and Partnerships, National Literacy Trust

Fees

Standard fee: £150 + VAT
Group discount for 2 or more delegates: £135 + VAT (10% discount)

Programme

ASCL PD reserves the right to amned the programme should circumstances dictate.

8.30am			Registration, refreshments and exhibition

9.20am			Welcome Tiffnie Harris, ASCL Primary and Data Specialist

9.25am			Building Effective Leadership in Primary Rebekah Iyambo, CEO, Eko Trust John Camp, ASCL Immediate Past President 2024-25 and CEO, The Compass Partnership of Schools

10.10am			Education inequality is deep-rooted, but it isn’t inevitable – how to use evidence to make a difference in EYFS Dr Julian Grenier, Senior Content and Engagement Manager (Early Years), Education Endowment Foundation By the end of the Reception year, nearly half the attainment gap for the whole of primary schooling is already present. In this session, Julian will outline the EEF's research evidence on the practical steps that schools can take. By developing the quality of their reception and nursery classes, schools can help to tackle educational inequality.

10.55am			Event Sponsor - Academy21

11.00am			Refreshments and exhibition

11.20am			Writing the Future: Making the 2025 framework work for your school Martin Galway, Head of Professional Learning and Partnerships, National Literacy Trust This session explores the DfE’s 2025 Writing Framework, highlighting key messages and noting less-developed areas. School leaders will gain insight into how the framework can support work to enhance standards, support teacher development, and embed writing across the curriculum—preparing pupils for success and enjoyment as young writers.

12.00pm			RISE update Rob Carpenter, Trust Leader, Inspire Partnership and member of ASCL Council

12.20pm			Inspection update Rob Carpenter, Trust Leader, Inspire Partnership and member of ASCL Council

12.40pm			Lunch and exhibition

1.20pm			What Great Leaders Know, Understand and Do: Designing leadership for impact Beryce Nixon OBE, CEO, Exceed Learning Partnership

2.00pm			Effective leadership of SEND in primary and early years David Bartram OBE, SEND Adviser

2.40pm			Closing the attainment gap for disadvantaged pupils - effective early intervention is key! Lisa Wise, Headteacher, Wilbury Primary School and Executive Lead for School Improvement, Children First Academy Trust Sophie Chaloner, Deputy Headteacher, Wilbury Primary School and School Improvement Team, Children First Academy Trust Leaders will learn about the vital importance of developing a positive whole school approach to addressing educational disadvantage, and gain valuable insight into highly effective implementation in the Early Years.

3.20pm			Questions and closing reflections